Application of Soybean Lecithin in the Cryopreservation of Human Sperm
LI Huan
CHEN Yi
JIANG Xiang-long
CHEN Sheng-hui
XIONG Qing
Abstract：Objective:To evaluate the cryoprotective effects of soybean lecithin(SL)in an animal-free cryopreservation system based on HSPM cryoprotectant for human sperm cryopreservation.Methods:A total of 156 human semen samples(92 normal sperm and 64 sperm with weak motility)were collected.Using HSPM+20%egg yolk(EY group)as the control group,the experimental groups were set up with 1%,2%,3%,and 5%SL(SL groups).Sperm motility,DNA fragmentation index(DFI),sperm morphology,membrane integrity,and oxidative stress level were analyzed.Results:In terms of sperm activity,the 2%SL group and EY group showed significantly higher progressive motility(PR),average path velocity(VAP),curvilinear velocity(VCL),and total sperm motility(TM)in the normal sperm and weakly motile sperm when compared to the other three groups(all P<0.05).However,there was no statistically significant difference in PR and VAP between the 2%SL group and EY group(both P>0.05).In terms of membrane integrity,the positive rate of hypoosmotic swelling test and viability in the 2%SL group and EY group were significantly higher than those in the other three groups(all P<0.05),while there were no statistically significant difference between the 2%SL group and EY group(all P>0.05).In terms of DFI,normal sperm morphology rate and oxidative stress level,the 2%SL group was significantly superior to the other four groups(all P<0.05).Conclusions:The 2%SL formulation can effectively replace EY in the HSPM cryoprotectant.It maintains sperm motility and membrane integrity,while significantly improves DNA stability,morphological integrity and reduces oxidative damage.
Keywords：SpermatozoaLecithinsSemen preservationCryopreservationSperm motility
Publication Date：2026-01-15
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-19(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 6-10 )